Faculty/Staff Mentoring Program

Fall 2013

This year we are initiating a program to help ease the transition to UTC for some
of our freshmen, and we need your help. We’re asking you to consider “mentoring”
one, two, or three freshmen for the first six weeks of classes.

We'll pair some “at-risk” freshmen with faculty and staff who will commit to six weeks
of interaction with at least one or more students. For the purposes of this initiative,
a student may be “at-risk” because of high school GPA, lower ACT scores, nontraditional
student status (older than traditional age entering UTC student), and gender, e.g.,
male, commuter students.

Here are your responsibilities to your mentee:

Week 1

During the first week of classes, August 19-23, send an email to your “mentee(s),”
introducing yourself and welcoming the students to UTC. Tell them that you want to
meet them the next week. Try to nail down a date and time at the beginning.

Week 2

Have a brief, initial meeting with students in your office, UC, library, or other
appropriate place. Tell your mentees the name of their first-year advisor (we’ll get
the name to you). Just get to know them a little and let them know that you are there
to answer their questions and be a resource for them. Tell them how they can reach
you if they need you.

Week 3

Send an email asking them how they are, inquiring about their academic work and adjustment
to college life.

Weeks 4 – 6

Send weekly emails or texts, following up on any clues the students have given you
about their successes, challenges, and concerns.

Week 7 and Beyond

You may wish to continue contacting your student, but you don’t have to do so although
an occasional email or text would be nice.